Desperately Seeking Epic(91)



But I do now.

Now, all of that just doesn’t seem as important as it once did.

I grin at Paul, knowing he’s just kidding around with me. But it strikes a chord. I wonder now if they think I did their story justice. Do they feel I did Neena justice?

“I got a scholarship to Northwestern where I majored in journalism. I’ve been working for the New York Times for the past few years.”

“That’s amazing,” Clara beams. “I knew you were going to do something big.”

“I just gave my notice, actually,” I tell her. Both of their smiles fade and they watch me, waiting for me to explain.

Swallowing hard, I chuckle. “I’m moving back here. I actually just bought a house not far from here.”

“Well good for you,” Paul cheers as he rubs Clara’s back. I can see under the glass surface of the table that her hand is on his thigh. They’re still crazy about each other.

“Some things have come up recently . . .” I pause, searching for my next words. “I’ve been thinking about Neena a lot.”

Paul’s eyes flicker down, his mouth curving into a sad smile.

“I hope you felt your story was presented okay and did you all justice.”

Clara looks to Paul, her gaze sad, before she returns it to me. “Ashley, honey, you gave Neena exactly what she wanted. We’re proud of you.”

Paul nods in agreement just as my throat starts to tickle. They’re going to make me cry. “I think Neena would love hearing about all the success you’ve found.”

I nod in appreciation. “Was it worth it?” I dare ask. Paul squints his eyes, confused by my question. But Clara’s mouth curves up gently and her eyes gloss over. She knows exactly what I’m asking. She slides her hands across the table and takes mine, squeezing it gently.

“I’d do it a million times over if it meant it was the only way to have had her. Her life, her love . . . they were my greatest gifts.” She flicks her eyes to Paul and smiles.

Paul nods. “Our most epic adventure.”

Tears stream down my face, then Clara begins to cry, too. Still holding my hand, she says, “You’re going to be a wonderful mother, Ashley.” I bob my head, unable to speak as the tears keep falling. Clara stands and rounds the table, bending down to hug me. “I like to think, if Neena were alive, she’d be a lot like you. Fearless. Ambitious.”

Paul slides a box of tissues toward me and I take a few, cleaning myself up, then take a deep breath. When I stand, Clara places her hand on my belly. “Boy?” she questions.

“We don’t find out until next week,” I sniffle. “My fiancé, Brian, he wants to know, but I think I’d like it to be a surprise.”

“You’re pregnant?” Paul questions, finally catching up, making us both laugh. “I thought maybe you’d just gained some weight.”

Clara rolls her eyes. “Men,” she huffs.

We chat some more about my pregnancy and also remember Neena. Then they tell me Marcus and Mei-ling got married and have two kids. One boy named John after their former pilot and friend, Sap, and a little girl named Neena. Paul and Clara can’t stop grinning from ear to ear. It’s obvious they are enjoying their roles of aunt and uncle. I would have loved to have seen Marcus in action with his kids. He’s a pretty cool guy. And comical. Unless you’re on the receiving end of his jokes. He and Mei-ling are in China right now visiting Mei-ling’s family. Clara quickly whips out her phone and shows me a family selfie. They look incredibly happy.

When it’s time for me to go, they both hug me tightly and tell me as soon as the baby is born and I’m ready, to come for a jump.

As I drive away, my heart content, I rub my belly and whisper, “I have a feeling you’ll be my most epic adventure, too, little one.”

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